It was one of the year's most anticipated gadgets, but don't expect to find it under the Christmas tree this year. The PS Vita is the next version of Sony's handheld PlayStation video game system. Although it enjoyed a launch into stores this weekend in Japan, Sony has announced today that for the United States and Canada, the release date won't be until February 22nd. Two versions of the PS Vita will be offered, but only one, a Wi-Fi model for $249.99, will be sold here in Canada. The more expensive Wi-Fi/3G version will be sold in the US for $299.99. Games for the system will vary between $9.99 and $49.99 each.

In addition to an internet connection the PS Vita also offers a 5" OLED Multi-touch screen, rear touchpad controls, dual analog control sticks, two built-in cameras, and SIXAXIS motion controls. The major concern with the launch of any new game system is that there will be games available to justify the purchase. Sony promised today that the PS Vita will arrive with twenty-five titles on launch day including familiar brands Super StarDust, Uncharted: Golden Abyss, wipEout, Hot Shots Golf: World invitational, and ModNation Racers: Road Trip amongst many more. Store shelves will also be flooded with a full line of PS Vita cases, memory cards, cradles, cables, etc. The only delay will be for car and travel chargers.

Publishers beyond Sony themselves will be offering games from hit brands including LEGO Harry Potter, Silent Hill, Ridge Racer, Ninja Gaiden, Plants Vs. Zombies, Virtua Tennis, Rayman, and FIFA Soccer with more promised to follow.

Included in the price will be an Augmented Reality game kit. Every PS Vita will come with a set of six AR Cards and a voucher to download a set of Augmented Reality Mini-Games from the PlayStation Network that will allow users to use the system's cameras to interact with the world around them.